By Sarah McElroy, Nurse Practitioner

No matter what type of sex you’re having: lube should be your friend. For some reason it’s had a bad reputation, but it serves very important roles during foreplay and sex.

Lubrication can make penetration more enjoyable for both partners. No one likes going down a dry waterslide- anyone can use it for any type of penetration or foreplay. The vagina produces its own lubrication, but for some it’s not enough, so adding more can be helpful to increase pleasure. The anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication, so please add your own!

Lube comes in a few varieties: water-based, silicone-based or oil-based. Personal preference can be determined by what feels good for you and/or your partner(s). The only consideration you really need is whether the type of lube you’re using is compatible with your toys and condoms of choice.

Lube reduces friction and can make sex with condoms safer: this is a bold statement, so let me elaborate. When using a condom, you rely on it to stay intact and not break- adding lubrication can reduce the chance of a condom breaking because there is less friction. This keeps you safer from exposure to sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy and lowers the likelihood of failure from breaking or falling off.

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Lubrication inside a vagina and anus not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also prevents microtears caused by friction. Microtears happen to tissue inside a vagina or anus during sex, and those microtears make you more prone to contracting a sexually transmitted infection. By making penetration easier (and more enjoyable), you reduce the risk of microtears.

Lube has many functions during sex, mainly for pleasure but also for safety. So lube on up and have some solo or partnered fun.

This article provides information about sexual health, healthcare and/or related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of TBD Health Inc.